HIMALAYAN BIRD PARK-CHAURA MAIDAN, SHIMLA (HP)

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1 HIMALAYAN BIRD PARK-CHAURA MAIDAN, SHIMLA (HP) (Walk in Aviary-Bird Park) History of Management The foundation of Himalayan Bird Park, Chaura Maidan was laid by Sh. S. Chakravarthi Hon ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh in This aviary was got constructed by Sh. B. Baddri, Hon ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh in1972. At that time animals like deer, leopard etc. were also kept in this Park. Visitors were allowed to see these birds and animals free of cost. Being so close to Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and H. P. State Museum, this Aviary started attracting tourists. During, 1982 this aviary was gutted in fire. Then in , the then Hon ble Governor Sh. Gulsher Ahmmad Sahib showed interest in this aviary and asked the Forest Department and State Government to rebuild this aviary. This aviary was constructed in with an amount of Rs, 5,55,526/- in an area of m 2 having total area

2 of m 2. This aviary was inaugurated on by the then, Hon ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Vir Bhadra Singh. Since then this aviary is being run by the Wildlife Wing of Himachal Pradesh Forest Department under the Jurisdiction of Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife, Shimla. At the time of construction of this Aviary at Chaura Maidan, there were not many facilities available for the upkeep of the pheasants at Himalayan Nature Park Kufri. Hence this walk in aviary was constructed at Chaura Maidan, Shimla. In CZA asked to manage this aviary as Satellite Facility of Himalayan Nature Park Kufri but, till date this aviary is not recognized by CZA as Satellite facility of HNP Kufri. Now, it is again proposed to the CZA, that this aviary may be recognized/ declared as a Satellite Facility to HNP Kufri. Location Himalayan Bird Park, a walk-in-aviary is situated in the heart of Shimla City at a distance of 17 Km from Kufri, at North Latitude and East Longitude and 2205 m above mean sea level, as the Satellite Facility of HNP, Kufri. This Aviary is surrounded by oak and Deodar trees and provides an unforgettable opportunity to be amidst Western Himalayan Birds. In this aviary natural conditions have been simulated by creating ponds, water channels and short waterfalls. Physical Features like Rock, Soil and Vegetation: The aviary is situated at the hill top. The main species which cover the area includes Oaks, Rhododendrons, Deodars and Pines. Soil is loamy, moist and rich in organic matter and nutrients and thus fertile. Climate & Rainfall The climate of the Aviary is predominantly cool during winters and moderately warm during summer. Temperatures typically range from 4 C (25 F) to 31 C (88 F) over the course of a year. The winter season is from October to February; summer season extends from April to June followed by the monsoon period extending from July to September. Maximum precipitation occurs during the months of July and August. The average total annual precipitation is approximately 1600 mm. In the winter season precipitation as well as snowfall also occurs.

3 Statement of Significance The site is though very small in extent, but is important for taking care of pheasants and other rescued birds in Shimla and surroundings. In Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Tutikandi, there is no facility for keeping the rescued birds. Therefore, this aviary is also being used as a rescue center for the birds. This Aviary is a Satellite Facility of Himalayan Nature Park Kufri and is dedicated exclusively to birds. The main purposes of this aviary are improvement in bird raising practices and conservation education. Mission To create the best possible environment for our birds and to serve the public by presenting displays that entertain, educate as well as create awareness among visitors belonging to different walks of life. To develop among visitors an empathy towards beautiful, but lesser known Himalayan birds and motivate them to support the cause of conservation. Objectives Primary objective of establishing this walk-in-aviary for Birds is education, motivation and awareness among the masses regarding importance of conservation of Himalayan birds/pheasants. Research Activities In this Park, experiments on hatching of eggs of different species in incubator are being conducted successfully for species like Monal, Red Jungle Fowl, Kalij and Silver pheasants since last 3-4 years. Record for each egg, together with details of date of laying, parents, date, time, egg weight and measurements etc. being maintained. However, this aviary needs some modifications and proposal along with estimated cost of these modifications will be sent to CZA separately.

4 Bird Species Male Female Total Monal Kalij Pheasant Cheer Pheasant Silver Pheasant Red Jungle Fowl Indian Pea Fowl Indian Goose Total Detail of the Pheasants kept in this aviary Outer view of the Park Monal in walk-in aviary Silver Pheasant inside the park Peacock at the top of roof

5 Visitors enjoy walking through the bird enclosures in the walk in aviary Photos by A R M Reddy IFS Text: Satish Gupta HPFS ADOPT A WILD ANIMAL-HELP CONSERVATION You can be generous to your fellow living creatures-especially Birds/animals in the Zoos/Aviaries/Pheasantries/Rescue Centers in HP You can adopt any bird in the Park by bearing all the expenses incurred on the feed of the bird for one year or more Your donations can be sent to CEO, HP Zoo Conservation & Breeding Society, Shimla For details you may contact DFO (WL) Shimla